Authentic Braga & Guimarães: Small Historical Group Tour

Name: Authentic Braga & Guimarães: Small Historical Group Tour
Brand: Cool Destinations
SKU: 841956
Price: 65.5 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.91 (95 reviews)

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8 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Offered in: English

Overview

Enjoy the scenic landscapes of Minho, noted for its popular Vinho Verde, and visit two of the region’s historic cities, Guimarães and Braga, to discover their architectural heritage. The first stop on this full-day tour is Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. The city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Marvel the Guimarães Castle, dating from the 10th century, where you’ll learn about the early period of Portugal’s history. Admire the Dukes of Bragança Palace and the architecture of this medieval city, full of unique buildings, streets, and squares.

Continue to Braga, a city once occupied by the Romans and one of the most important Christian centers of Portugal. Take a break to enjoy a traditional lunch with Vinho Verde. After that continue learning about the history of Braga and pay a visit to its most important landmarks such as the Cathedral from the 11th century, Bom Jesus do Monte, and the Sameiro Sanctuary. You will arrive back to Porto close to 5pm.

What's Included

Small goup tour - Maximum up to 8 people
Entrances to monuments included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Premium air-conditioned vehicle
Expert tour guide

Lunch
Gratuities

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

We will notify each booking by email regarding the pick up time prior to the day of the tour. The clients should wait for our guide by the door of the address provided.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.

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Guimaraes Castle (pass by)

Upon arrival in Guimarães, we begin our tour in the upper part of the city, where the Guimarães Castle is located. Our guide will tell you about Portugal's early history as you pass Portugal's oldest medieval castle and begin the descent into the city center.

Igreja de Sao Miguel do Castelo

This church dates back to the 13th century and is currently classified as a national monument. It is a building built in the Romanesque style, which was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century according to its original appearance. There is a legend associated with this church, according to which the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was baptized here.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Paco dos Duques de Braganca (pass by)

This palace dates back to the beginning of the 15th century and its construction was ordered by D. Afonso (son of King D. João I) at the time of his marriage to D. Constança de Noronha. Over the years it served several purposes, causing wear and tear. At the beginning of the 20th century, the restoration of the palace began. It is classified as a national monument and currently serves as a museum, displaying works of tapestry, furniture, Chinese porcelain and paintings.

Rua de Santa Maria

Along the descent to the residential area of the city, we will pass through Rua de Santa Maria, one of the first streets in Guimarães, which served as the main connection between the convent of D. Mumadona Dias, the residential area and the Castle.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Praca de S. Tiago

This is a social square for the inhabitants of Guimarães, where you can find restaurants, bars and terraces, surrounded by the city's typical architecture. According to the legend, the name of the square is due to the apostle James who, on a pilgrimage, left an image of the Virgin Mary here. A church was built there in the 12th century, which was demolished in the 19th century.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Largo da Oliveira

Largo da Oliveira is one of the most emblematic and historic squares in Guimarães, Portugal. Its name comes from an ancient olive tree that symbolizes peace and tradition. This place has been the scene of significant events over the centuries, including medieval courts and crucial moments in the formation of Portugal as a nation.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Padrao do Salado

In addition to the church, Largo da Oliveira is known for the Padrão do Salado, a monument that celebrates the victory of D. Afonso IV over the Moors in the battle of Salado in 1340.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

From Largo da Oliveira you can see the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira - Colegiada de Guimarães, whose origins date back to a monastery founded in the first half of the 10th century by Countess Mumadona Dias. The current church was built in 1387 by order of King D. João I, following models of Gothic architecture.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Se de Braga

Braga Cathedral is one of the most emblematic and historic monuments in Portugal. Located in the city of Braga, this Catholic cathedral is a testament to the country's cultural and religious richness.Its construction dates back to the end of the 11th century, having been sacred and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop D. Pedro in 10891. The Braga Cathedral is considered the first Portuguese cathedral, built several decades before the founding of the nation itself.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Bom Jesus Do Monte

The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is a jewel of the religious architecture and landscaping, located in Braga. With over 600 years of history, this site of Christian pilgrimage is a notable example of the European Sacri Monti, created after the Council of Trent in the 16th century.The sanctuary's Via Crucis, which winds up the mountainside, is made up of chapels, fountains and sculptures representing the Passion of Christ, culminating in the neoclassical church built between 1784 and 1811. The Staircase of the Five Senses, a baroque work, is a of the most emblematic elements of the set, symbolizing the human senses through fountains and statues.Bom Jesus do Monte was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2019, standing out for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and its cultural and spiritual importance. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of Braga and is a testament to the religious tradition and influence of the Catholic Church in the region.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, or simply Santuário do Sameiro, is one of the most important places of Marian worship in Portugal, located in the city of Braga. Founded on June 14, 1863 by Father Martinho António Pereira da Silva, the sanctuary is a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary.Sameiro is the second largest Marian pilgrimage center in Portugal, after the Sanctuary of Fátima, and is a place that attracts not only devotees, but also tourists, due to its rich history and its privileged location at the top of the mountain, at 566 meters of altitude. It offers a spectacular view over the city of Braga and the surrounding landscape.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Specialized infant seats are available
Travel time is already included with the total tour duration.

Green wine - legal age to drink is 18 years old and above
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Authentic Braga & Guimarães: Small Historical Group Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST). Read more Apr 2025